ATC sends Hassan Niazi on 14-day judicial remand

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday sent Hassan Khan Niazi, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and nephew of former prime minister Imran Khan, to a 14-day judicial remand.

Niazi has been accused of involvement in the Zille Shah murder case, attacking police officials, creating law and order situations, and setting state properties on fire.

Police officials had requested a physical remand of Niazi to recover a laptop and mobile phone allegedly possessed by the accused. However, the judge denied the request for physical remand, but allowed a two-day transit remand for an FIR registered in Karachi.

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Niazi was brought to the court on transit remand from Quetta, and during the proceedings, the judge asked about the accused's whereabouts.

The police offered to produce him if directed, but the judge expressed concern about overcrowding the court and the possibility of injury to the accused.

The Investigation Officer (IO) of the case sought physical remand for further investigation, arguing that the accused had created a law and order situation and that his laptop and mobile phone had not yet been recovered.

The accused's counsel, advocate Rana Intizar Hussain, strongly opposed the request, contending that the accused is a prominent lawyer and PTI leader who has been victimised for political reasons. He claimed that the FIR was a fabricated story with no basis in reality.